Design, Analysis and Validation of Cost Comparative Console Armrest of an Automotive

Today's automotive innovations are costumer driven and cost of the automobile. The market is towards providing more and more features to costume at comparative cost. One of such cost comparative areas is Automotive Interiors. The objective of this research work is design a low cost Armrest which meets the Functionality Requirement of an Automobile. The armrest hinge is equipped with torsion springs which help to open the Armrest and due to uncoiling of the springs bouncing effect during armrest opening and rattling of armrest around the hinge creates rattling noise and to reduce the bounce effect and make the movement smoother the dampers are installed at hinges which can provide the controlled rotation of hinges. The purpose of the study is to eliminate the dampers and to design an Armrest hinge to obtain a controlled output. Finite Element Method (FEM) and Physical Testing correlation consists of several tasks such as finite element modelling, dynamic analysis, Physical testing, correlation, model updating and propose a design solution with Validation of the proposed design. The functionality requirements are identified and Physical test is performed as investigative tools along and Physical test armrest opening time is considered as target for FEA simulation. Armrest opening time is measured using the video loaded in Hyperview and Ls-Dyna solver is used for FE Analysis. FEM model design parameters are updated using iterative model updating process to achieve good correlation between FEM and Test results. Once acceptable correlation is achieved, many alternative modifications can be evaluated using only FEM to reduce the Bounce back of armrest. Based on the implementation cost and feasibility, a counter measure will be selected and implemented in the next phase model. This study will help to solve the bouncing effect and also will be a guideline for future Armrest design varying from simple to complex design or light weight to heavy weight Armrest.